Feb. 14 letters to the editor

It is rather disturbing the way major companies are able to use illusive marketing tactics to lure consumers into buying new products.

That Pepsi's marketing representative labeled the new beverage as a "juice drink" is deceptive advertising. According to the FDA, a "juice drink" is anything that is less than 100 percent juice, which allows for a wide range of beverages.

It is misguiding to the consumer, who may think they are simply replacing their usual morning juice for another healthy alternative with a little energy boost. The artificial sweeteners and carbonation actually make it sound more like a diet soda, not to mention the fact that it is supposed to be a derivative of Mountain Dew.

The company should just call it exactly what it is and allow the customer to make an informed decision about whether or not to consume the product.

Christina Perricone

Alameda

Second Amendment is safe from Obama

This is in response to the recent letter about President Barack Obama going after the Second Amendment.

That is just a rookie scare tactic because he doesn't know that a repeal of the Second Amendment requires a majority of Congress and the states to vote on it.

Right now, there are no poll numbers that would show even one state that would vote for a repeal, so it is just saber rattling to generate some more Benjamins to give to the NRA.

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Second, I just used my time machine to go back in time to see George Washington, who also talked to me about gun control. He said that under his Second Amendment, guns were to be used exclusively for militias to fight for national defense, and he was a little peeved about those guns that were used in the Whiskey Rebellion that he had to kibosh in 1794.

Way to go, G.W. Oh, I forgot to ask about the guns used in that Shay's Rebellion, but I'll ask him the next time I go back.

Walt Randle

Oakland

Postal Service decision is mostly sensible

I agree with the U.S. Postal Service decision to reduce expenses by eliminating one delivery day per week.

As a recent Times editorial stated, the service faces incredible competition from various sources. Much of the competition is due to the Internet, United Parcel Service and Federal Express.

UPS and FedEx get to cherry pick the most profitable business, while the USPS must deliver to almost everywhere on the map. This makes for a very challenging, if not impossible, business model for financial success.

I would even be in favor of limiting home delivery to four days per week. Why not? However, please leave Saturday delivery in the equation. Many families pay their bills on the weekend and enjoy and respond to other mail.

Why not follow the example of the neighborhood barber and stop delivery on Mondays? Monday is usually a light mail day anyway. Keep Saturday delivery.

As to my four-day-per-week formula? Why not Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday?

Rob Hall

Walnut Creek

Feds should leave oyster farm alone

I read the letter regarding the feds wanting to close the Drakes Bay Oyster Co., and I'm in agreement. It's totally ridiculous.

While President Barack Obama says he wants to put people back to work, his Cabinet is attempting to put the Drakes Bay Oyster Bay Co. out of business.

I have the distinct feeling the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. These clowns in Washington need to get their act together and worry about getting the budget balanced -- and leave the people attempting to make an honest living alone.

Patrick W. Bowers

Union City

Corporate interests guide the gun lobby

Those who oppose gun control claim a constitutional right to own guns. But U.S. courts have carved out exceptions.

In fact, the gun lobby is propelled by large corporations and their single-minded devotion to profit. The largest seller of firearms is Walmart.

Following the Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida, we learned that a Walmart executive sat on the board of the organization advocating for Florida's "stand your ground" law.

Those who are concerned about the availability of guns might consider this the next time they make a shopping decision.